To The Girl Whose Plan Changed

One of the scariest parts of growing up is that things change: people change, fashion trends change (hopefully, we never have to say goodbye to leggings), even your hometown will change. I was the girl who had a solid plan from my sophomore year of high school; I was going to go to college, go to law school, and become a constitutional lawyer. Along the way, I was going to move to the east, attend law school, and get married.

For a long time, I actually thought I knew who I was going to marry. But as time goes on, it becomes more clear that it's just another plan that is going to change. I had it all planned out, we would get married right after I graduated from law school, he would propose where we had our first kiss, and we would be engaged for a year (that way we would have time to plan our wedding). It all seemed really perfect. I had made these detailed plans but I'm starting to learn that plans are written in pencil, not pen.

These plans that you spent so much time making aren't easy to accept when they do change. However, these plans might change, because your heart as changed. When I decided that I no longer wanted to be a lawyer, it took me about six months to say it out loud. In fact, I still went as far as studying for the LSAT. I sat in the library all summer staring in the books because I didn't care what kind of argument was what. It's really scary to have things that you knew to be true no longer be what you want.

I also thought I wanted to go to the University of Alabama, and my junior year of high school I packed my life into two suitcases and went to UA on an exchange program. I had an idea of how my life would be while I was there and don't get me wrong, I loved it there, but it wasn't how I had planned. I realized I really missed Boise and my family and UA wasn't the school for me. So partly grateful and partly sad, I decided to come back to Boise State a semester early. It was hard because I really thought I'd love UA so much I would stay, however that wasn't the case. When I got back I felt disappointed because my plan wasn't turning out how I wanted it too. It might be my anxiety and need to control, but I felt like I had lost all control of my life and of my future. However, this isn't true, changing plans is actually a beautiful thing because now you get to change.

I was no longer inspired by being the next Elle Woods. I was no longer satisfied settling for what my eighteen-year-old self-thought was a good idea, I was no longer convinced that was the path I wanted in my life. This realization, it opened up my eyes, because it allowed me to be more than just a plan, it allowed me and allows me to create that plan. First off, ask yourself if what the choices you made four years ago, even sixth months ago, still make you giddy with excitement. If it doesn't, ask yourself about what does. Plans changing means you are free to do whatever you want, whether it be to explore, travel, or do something crazy. Life is a journey and that journey can't be found on a map.

So maybe you decided you no longer want to be a doctor and have to find out what is next. Maybe you lost the job you thought you would have forever. Maybe that guy you thought was your soul mate turned out to not be. Maybe you no longer believe in your happy ending that you wrote at sixteen. That is okay. In fact, it is better than okay, because you now hold the pencil that is going to change your life, you hold the key to find what gets you inspired and what makes you happy. Whether you find it where your car breaks downs or next door, it is going to be amazing because it's your journey, not your plan.

10 Things Someone Who Grew Up In A Private School Knows

1. Uniforms

Plaid. The one thing that every private school-goer knows all too well. It was made into jumpers, skirts, shorts, scouts, hair ties, basically anything you could imagine, the school plaid was made into. You had many different options on what to wear on a normal day, but you always dreaded dress uniform day because of skirts and ballet flats. But it made waking up late for school a whole lot easier.

2. New people were a big deal

New people weren't a big thing. Maybe one or two a year to a grade, but after freshman year no one new really showed up, making the new kid a big deal.

3. You've been to school with most of your class since Kindergarten

Most of your graduating class has been together since Kindergarten, maybe even preschool, if your school has it. They've become part of your family, and you can honestly say you've grown up with your best friends.

4. You've had the same teachers over and over

Having the same teacher two or three years in a row isn't a real surprise. They know what you are capable of and push you to do your best.

5. Everyone knows everybody. Especially everyone's business.

Your graduating class doesn't exceed 150. You know everyone in your grade and most likely everyone in the high school. Because of this, gossip spreads like wildfire. So everyone knows what's going on 10 minutes after it happens.

6. Your hair color was a big deal

If it's not a natural hair color, then forget about it. No dyeing your hair hot pink or blue or you could expect a phone call to your parents saying you have to get rid of it ASAP.

7. Your school isn't like "Gossip Girl"

There is no eating off campus for lunch or casually using your cell phone in class. Teachers are more strict and you can't skip class or just walk right off of campus.

8. Sports are a big deal

Your school is the best of the best at most sports. The teams normally go to the state championships. The rest of the school that doesn't play sports attends the games to cheer on the teams.

9. Boys had to be clean-shaven, and hair had to be cut

If you came to school and your hair was not cut or your beard was not shaved, you were written up and made to go in the bathroom and shave or have the head of discipline cut your hair. Basically, if you know you're getting written up for hair, it's best just to check out and go get a hair cut.

10. Free dress days were like a fashion show

Wearing a school uniform every day can really drive you mad. That free dress day once a month is what you lived for. It was basically a fashion show for everyone, except for those upperclassmen who were over everything and just wore sweat pants.

6 Unique Trends To Try For Valentine's Day

Love is in the air! February 14th is the day of romance. So, spice up your day with one of these trends with a love one or some friends.

1. Go exploring

Take your fancy dinner date outdoors this Valentines. Not only would the view look amazing but also it would be more romantic. For the ones, who are single don't worry take your friends or yourself out for an adventure. Go hiking and take some aesthetic pictures.

2. Recreate first date

The throwback to the first date you went with your loved one. Not only will it be romantic but it will remind you how far you two have grown with each other in the relationship.

3. Bonfire

Build a bonfire and spend the night cuddling together by the fire. If you don't have a significant other to share this day with, then don't worry you can still enjoy some s'mores with friends. Gather up your friends and bond with a bonfire.

4. Scavenger Hunt

Plan out a scavenger hunt for your love one or friends. With each clue they complete, reward with them flowers or chocolates. It will be mysterious, fun, and unique.

5. Karaoke

Gather a group of friends and rent out a karaoke room. Sing the night away with your favorite tunes. Or take your significant other to sing together.

6. Cook a Romantic Dinner

Instead of going out to an overpriced restaurant, stay in and prepare a romantic dinner for your someone special. Don't have that someone special on this day? Don't worry, plan out a potluck dinner with your friends and surround yourself with the people you love.